Best Picnic Spots in Tempe Parks: Family-Friendly Guides & Nearby Takeout
Tempe, Arizona's mild winters deliver sunny, warm days ideal for outdoor adventures. With over 50 parks offering lakes, playgrounds—including inclusive options for all abilities—this desert city is picnic paradise. While Tempe Beach Park and Papago Park are perennial favorites, explore quieter neighborhood parks to avoid crowds and unwind.
Elevate your outing by grabbing takeout from a local Tempe restaurant—bonus if it's a new spot for you.
Curated by the Tempe Tourism Office team, here's our guide to top picnic parks, paired with nearby eateries. For full details and current amenities, check the City of Tempe website. Note: Glass containers and alcohol (without a permit) are prohibited. Follow current local health guidelines, like distancing and staying home if unwell.
Estrada Park
1801 E. Palomino Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284
Ideal for sand-free play, Estrada Park boasts a foam safety surface under playground equipment, shaded by mature trees, with ample benches and picnic tables. Kids love the slides, swings, rope climber, and spinning structures. Adults can use the exercise circuit or basketball court.
Perfect for a full-day picnic. We picked up nourishing bowls from nearby CoreLife Eatery—delicious and satisfying—while packing kid favorites.
Note: No restrooms on-site—plan accordingly.
Nearby Takeout Options:
- CoreLife Eatery Tempe
1840 E. Warner Rd. Ste. 108, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 912-8282 - Postino South Tempe
8749 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (602) 325-2211 - Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
7420 S. Rural Rd. Ste B1, Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 610-6750 - Maskadores Taco Shop
1721 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 284-7000 - Word of Mouth Grill
7660 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 621-6247
Kiwanis Park
5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85283
This 125-acre haven centers on a serene lake fringed by mature trees. We snagged shady lakeside spots amid joggers, dog walkers, and barbecues—vibrant yet spacious. Weekends add fun with Boat Rentals of America (surreys, kayaks, pedal boats; Sat-Sun only). Playgrounds, sports fields, batting cages, rec center, and summer water play at The Cloud round out options.
Note: Restrooms available throughout.
Parking:
- Street parking on Mill Ave. south of Baseline Rd. (easiest)
- Lots at 5922 S. All America Way, Tempe, AZ 85283
- The Cloud at 5233 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85283
Nearby Takeout (Mill Towne Center):
- Opa Life Greek Cafe
227 E. Baseline Rd. #J007, Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 292-8180 - Beijing Express
219 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, 85283 | (480) 755-2298 - U.S. Egg Breakfast & Lunch
131 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 831-0070 - Someburros
101 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 839-8226 - Tom’s BBQ
115 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 820-0728
Hanger Park
Rural Rd. & Knox Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284
In Warner Ranch, this family favorite offers dual playgrounds (jungle gyms, swings, tire swing), ramadas, benches, basketball, soccer fields, volleyball—all safely separated. Paved paths invite biking or strolling.
Fun Fact: Doubles as a retention basin—avoid water after rains!
Nearby Takeout:
- Rigatony’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
1850 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 899-1111 - Original Chop Shop – South Tempe
8738 S. Emerald Dr. #104, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 386-0320 - Poké Wave
9920 S. Rural Rd. #111, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 582-3377
Creamery Park
1520 E. 8th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Compact yet spacious for dogs and kids, with basketball, ramada, playground. Walk to Four Peaks Brewing for chicken strips, fries, and pita—or Infusion Coffee for brunch vibes. Catch local sports while picnicking.
Fun Fact: Named for historic Borden Milk Co. Creamery, now Four Peaks.
Nearby Takeout:
- Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E. 8th St. #104, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 303-9967 - Infusion Coffee and Tea Crafters
1300 E. 8th St. #100, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-2533 - Salut Kitchen Bar
1435 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 625-3600 - Chunk Cookies
4331 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 106, Gilbert, AZ 85234 | (480) 534-7141 - Sunny’s Diner
1825 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-2761
Selleh Park
Los Feliz & Aspen Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282
A neighborhood jewel off McClintock Dr., featuring a duck-filled pond, basketball, climbing playground, restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and paths. Serene escape for picnics with pets.
Fun Fact: Honors Joe Selleh, local sports advocate and Boys & Girls Club founder.
Nearby Takeout:
- Los Reyes de la Torta
1528 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 491-1314 - Ted’s Hot Dogs
1755 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 968-6678 - Sa Bai
1740 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 264-4287 - Johnny’s Burgers & Dogs
3141 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 755-3833 - Spokes on Southern
1470 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 307-9920
Daley Park
1625 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
17-acre powerhouse with basketball, baseball/softball, volleyball, horseshoes, cornhole, expansive playground (7-8 slides, swings). Spot the vibrant "Meet Me at Daley Park" mural by Jake Early chronicling local history.
Grab hefty sandwiches from Board & Brew—their secret sauce is legendary!
Nearby Takeout:
- Board & Brew
1015 S. Rural Rd. #105, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 781-2900 - Doner Dudes
681 E. Apache Blvd. #107, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 378-8384 - Ahipoki
1015 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 248-9834
Ten:01 Park
By Lacy Cain, Wild Joy Experiences
On Tempe Town Lake's north side (east of Rural Rd. via bike path), this semi-private gem splits into dog park and lakeside grass with blue picnic tables. Gaze at the skyline and 'A' Mountain.
Nearby Takeout:
- Monroe’s Hot Chicken at The Watermark Tempe
430 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 687-0007 - DogHaus Biergarten at The Watermark Tempe
430 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 912-1946 - WaBa Grill
555 N. Scottsdale Rd. Unit 101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 912-5333 - In-N-Out Burger
920 E. Playa Del Norte Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (800) 786-1000
